NYC Declares Measles Outbreak A Public Health Emergency

New York State is currently experiencing one of the worst measles outbreaks in the history of the state.

The New York Times reports that the New York City Mayor, Bill DeBlasio, has declared the measles outbreak a public health emergency. Under this declaration, people who do not have the measles vaccine that live in Williamsburg, Brooklynn are required to get it.

If people do not get the measles vaccine, New York City could issue fines of up to $1,000, according to the New York Times. The declaration comes from the severe measles outbreak in New York State, and New York City. Since Fall 2018, there have been 285 confirmed cases of measles. 21 of the cases led to hospitalizations, with five of the cases leading to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Recently, in the Hudson Valley, a temporary ban on unvaccinated people in public places and schools was put into place. However, a federal judge ruled against that.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that is spread by direct contact with nasal or throat secretions of infected people. Symptoms include cough, runny nose, and watery eyes, as well as the appearance of a rash.

You can read more about measles here from the New York State Department of Health.

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